Fourteen not-for-profit groups will share in $250,000 in Stronger Communities Fund grants for projects that will encourage a more vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community.

Newly merged councils, like the Central Coast, received $10 million under the State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund to kick start the delivery of projects to improve infrastructure and services - with $1 million earmarked for grants for local community groups. This extra funding has been able to deliver extra projects the community need, want and value.

We will soon announce how the community can have their say and contribute to the plans for the remaining $9 million for the Stronger Communities Fund.

First round applications
We received more than 90 applications from a wide range of community groups for the first round of funding.

The 14 successful recipients for round one of the Stronger Community Grants Program will deliver the following innovative community projects:

• The Central Coast Montessori Primary School
  Kanyini community garden: To provide a welcoming space for the local community to grow, harvest, prepare and share food together as well as improving the area.
• Ourimbah Rugby Club Inc (Razorbacks Rugby Club)
  Improved sports facilities: Works include a new building with home and visitor change rooms, showers, male and female amenities, as well as an accessible toilet and shower, canteen and a club room.
• Cancer Council NSW Central Coast
  Community resource van: Providing more resources to the van such as sunscreen, hats, brochures and other promotional/educational materials so the group can take the ‘Cancer Council to our community’, and spread the word about the importance of sun protection for healthy lives.
• Youth Off The Streets Ltd
  Fit out of Lakes College: In 2017, Youth Off the Streets will be extending their program to the college, an accredited alternate high school in Blue Haven, for young people (aged 14-18) who have disengaged from mainstream school. They will be fitting out their room with technology, furniture, educational and life skills program resources.
• Rotary Club of East Gosford Inc
  East Gosford community garden: Works include installing raised garden beds and wheelchair friendly paths to enable the elderly and people with disabilities to garden side by side with other community members.
• Davistown Progress Association Inc
  Davistown Progress Hall Centenary Restoration Project: A makeover for the community-owned hall including painting, indoor heating and cooling, door replacements, improved drainage and more to make the hall more appealing.
• Central Coast Bicycle User Group Inc
  CCBUG RidesAssist Program: The program will provide vision impaired people, and others living with a disability on the Central Coast, the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of riding a bike in a safe and supported manner. They will sit on the back of a tandem bike with an experienced and accredited ride leader.
• EDSACC Croquet Club Inc
  Sun safety and shelter: The club plans to build more seating and shelter for their members, visitors and guests to sit and watch the competition matches, and in return, make the club more attractive to visitors and potential new members.
• Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club Inc
  WiFiSurf: Being in a blackspot area with limited mobile and NBN coverage, the project plans to upgrade and install high quality WiFi throughout the clubhouse, and shark and observation tower, to help improve connectivity for lifesavers, provide training opportunities and improve safety.
• Road Safety Education Ltd
  Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) Central Coast workshops: To continue with this practical and powerful workshop with Year 11 students across the Central Coast and change the way they think about road safety through examples, road safety experts and demonstrations as well as personal stories. The extra funding will also provide further support and transport.
• Central Coast Primary Care Ltd
  Older Persons Mental Health Peer Work Program: The program aims to provide people aged over 65 years of age with access to peer based mental health recovery services including individual sessions, group programs and community education.
• Umina Beach Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW Ltd (PCYC)
  Community bus: The PCYC want to upgrade their bus to provide safer and better transport for young people who use the facilities and participate in programs such as back on track, boxing at sunrise, interstate competitions, youth at risk, and other fundraising events.
• Wyong District Tennis Association Inc
  Court upgrade: Two courts need to be upgraded to not only provide a playable surface for their increasing membership, but for an opportunity to host regional and NSW sanctioned tournaments.
• San Remo Neighbourhood Centre Inc
  Opportunity Knocks: A social enterprise project to help change the dilapidated shops and foreshore along Liamena Avenue by bringing socialisation, volunteering and street life to the precinct.

Watch this space
This is only the first round, and there are more opportunities to receive funding for your community project.

Applications for round two of the Stronger Communities Fund open on Monday 30 January 2017 and close on Friday 24 February 2017.